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Author Notes: I have never been a particular fan of nuts. Cashews were all right in my book, but pecans? Walnuts? I didn't want them muddying up my breads and cookies. Everything changed after I tried The Nut Box's candied pecans. Glorious! I think the word "addiction" is appropriate, and now I find myself giving all nuts a second look. All I know about the pecans are the ingredients: butter, sugar and salt. This is my take on them, using sage and walnuts. (I got the egg white tip from Smitten Kitchen). - cristinasciarra

Food52 Review: This is the kind of adult walnut confection that should be served at your favorite cocktail bar. Don't be afraid to up the sage by half or reduce the sugar a little depending on your taste. Either way, you'll be munching on these til kingdom come. Highly addictive. - favabean

Makes a baking-sheet full

2tablespoons salted butter

1.5tablespoons sage, finely chopped

5cups walnuts

1 egg white, beaten until a little stiff

1tablespoon maple syrup

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4cup white sugar

a generous sprinkling of sea salt

In a medium pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped sage, and cook for a few minutes, until fragrant.

In a large bowl, beat the egg white. Add the walnuts, and toss. Add the maple syrup and the butter, and incorporate. Add the sugars, and toss until the walnuts are evenly coated.

Preheat the oven to 300F. Spread the walnuts evenly on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cook the walnuts for 30 minutes, breaking them up about every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

I made these this weekend and they were very well received. Next time I will double the sage and reduce the white sugar to around 1/2 cup. Thanks for the good and easy recipe - the sage and walnuts are a tasty combination.